ADS-910's

[GD70]

I had a great night last night and got the opportunity to re-read this entire thread for the second time. The more I do that, the more I pick up (or remember) ... but I just had to say before leaving for work, that this is one inspiring thread. I really appreciate the enthusiasm and joy of people owning a set of these, then taking the time to share their excitement. From the first thread Glenn started to the last post he just made above me. It's just so refreshing to see this kind of thing these days. Thanks for the smiles folks.


Ahahah .... that's just too funny nerdorama. I've said this a couple of times buried withing the pages here at AK. Every time Glenn reminds me of how much he paid for his (WITH THE Tri Cards), I ALWAYS look down and huff then shake my head ... .some guys just have all the luck. Laughing. I have to be careful though of letting folks know how much I would like to own a pair, might have someone contact me in Dallas with an offer of $2500! DOH! ... still laughing.

These speakers just make me so happy to listen to music! They all do, but the 910's are special! Some things in life just make you want to talk about it, and these do. My enthusiasm may have been a bit over the top at times, but I don't care!
Thanks Garry, for reading through this thread twice! I've done it a bunch of times as well, and it makes me happy that others were inspired to search and now own a set. Keep looking! You'll find a set!
Glenn

 

[MJB1959]

Funny to read this Glen, a pair of 910's just appeared in MN here but for an asking price of 1400.00, while I feel they are worth it, my overly large collection of ADS speakers has the discipline to wait for the right deal. Funny how crazy the prices of these things have maintained given their age, but we all know why.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADS 910 vintage speakers - $1800 (Mighty Midway)
On offer is a pair of rare and desirable ADS 910 speakers. They are in beautiful original condition with just a few minor scuffs commensurate with their age. Furniture wax would take care of them, but I leave that to the buyer to decide.

They are the later model with the black rear panel and larger woofer dust covers.

They include the original stands in similarly excellent shape, with a few minor blemishes that could be easily addressed by the buyer. The grilles are flawless, as are all drivers.

The LED meter cards are installed, and I have the bi-amp and tri-amp crossover "program cards" as well (basically every option save for the power amp that fits in the cabinet).

I also have both original owner's manuals as well as the original sales brochure.

For the ADS collector, I doubt you'd find a better pair. I recently spoke to a local collector who restored a lesser pair to the tune of $1500, and he thought these were nicer.

Open to offers, but please be reasonable. These are hard to come by in any condition, let alone as pristine as these are.

Currently set up for demonstration.

Terms of the deal:
1. I will not ship these. You must come to my home in St. Paul and carry them out.
2. Cash only please.
3. These weigh about 100 lbs. each, not including stands, so bring a friend. I can help after you pay, but I can't take responsibility for any slip-ups.

 

[Spiceman50]

Funny to read this Glen, a pair of 910's just appeared in MN here but for an asking price of 1400.00, while I feel they are worth it, my overly large collection of ADS speakers has the discipline to wait for the right deal. Funny how crazy the prices of these things have maintained given their age, but we all know why.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADS 910 vintage speakers - $1800 (Mighty Midway)
On offer is a pair of rare and desirable ADS 910 speakers. They are in beautiful original condition with just a few minor scuffs commensurate with their age. Furniture wax would take care of them, but I leave that to the buyer to decide.

They are the later model with the black rear panel and larger woofer dust covers.

They include the original stands in similarly excellent shape, with a few minor blemishes that could be easily addressed by the buyer. The grilles are flawless, as are all drivers.

The LED meter cards are installed, and I have the bi-amp and tri-amp crossover "program cards" as well (basically every option save for the power amp that fits in the cabinet).

I also have both original owner's manuals as well as the original sales brochure.

For the ADS collector, I doubt you'd find a better pair. I recently spoke to a local collector who restored a lesser pair to the tune of $1500, and he thought these were nicer.

Open to offers, but please be reasonable. These are hard to come by in any condition, let alone as pristine as these are.

Currently set up for demonstration.

Terms of the deal:
1. I will not ship these. You must come to my home in St. Paul and carry them out.
2. Cash only please.
3. These weigh about 100 lbs. each, not including stands, so bring a friend. I can help after you pay, but I can't take responsibility for any slip-ups.
View attachment 1592571
View attachment 1592573

They've been there for nearly a week, but the asking price is gonna keep them there for a bit longer .... I suspect? As much as I'd like to own a set, I have my wits about me just enough to not pay that price. Although a new set of magnepans is not the same, I'd get a set of those until something more reasonable came along for the 910's.

That said .... I have been known to impulse buy on occasion. Never say never! Smiling.

 

[GD70]

Funny to read this Glen, a pair of 910's just appeared in MN here but for an asking price of 1400.00, while I feel they are worth it, my overly large collection of ADS speakers has the discipline to wait for the right deal. Funny how crazy the prices of these things have maintained given their age, but we all know why.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADS 910 vintage speakers - $1800 (Mighty Midway)
On offer is a pair of rare and desirable ADS 910 speakers. They are in beautiful original condition with just a few minor scuffs commensurate with their age. Furniture wax would take care of them, but I leave that to the buyer to decide.

They are the later model with the black rear panel and larger woofer dust covers.

They include the original stands in similarly excellent shape, with a few minor blemishes that could be easily addressed by the buyer. The grilles are flawless, as are all drivers.

The LED meter cards are installed, and I have the bi-amp and tri-amp crossover "program cards" as well (basically every option save for the power amp that fits in the cabinet).

I also have both original owner's manuals as well as the original sales brochure.

For the ADS collector, I doubt you'd find a better pair. I recently spoke to a local collector who restored a lesser pair to the tune of $1500, and he thought these were nicer.

Open to offers, but please be reasonable. These are hard to come by in any condition, let alone as pristine as these are.

Currently set up for demonstration.

Terms of the deal:
1. I will not ship these. You must come to my home in St. Paul and carry them out.
2. Cash only please.
3. These weigh about 100 lbs. each, not including stands, so bring a friend. I can help after you pay, but I can't take responsibility for any slip-ups.
View attachment 1592571
View attachment 1592573

Those are a bit pricy, but considering they come complete with the factory optional stands, still have the badges, and optional cards, (cost me 300.00 for a complete set) that price is pretty much right. One has to think, what these would cost new today to manufacture and selling prices.

 

[Blue Shadow]

One has to think, what these would cost new today to manufacture and selling prices.

One also needs to think about what speakers can be found selling for that same price. Newer, slightly used and ready to go will be in the discussion for that kind of coin. But if one is set on the 910 that is a nice set with all the parts and pieces to put in a drawer and keep for the whens and ifs.

 

[Spiceman50]

Those are a bit pricy, but considering they come complete with the factory optional stands, still have the badges, and optional cards, (cost me 300.00 for a complete set) that price is pretty much right. One has to think, what these would cost new today to manufacture and selling prices.

You know It occurred to me that I didn't read the guys entire add when I first seen his post. I take back what I said that they were pricey. Yes, considering the stands and the included cards he's about right with his price. I see enough of the 910's to keep myself from saying they are rare and more un-common, but finding a pair of these with the stands and cards, and in this apparent condition yeah .. that's pretty rare right there. The thing for me is (after some experience in used vintage speakers), would be any repairs that may have to be performed as in speakers or replacing caps. Then the costs could go over what you could expect to get back if you ever sold them. In this case, those tweeters and Midranges look exceptionally good and clean.

Say Glenn, Question for you. I've seen some 910's with a Volume/gain? badge over the lights. These don't have that. I recall seeing them on Matt's 910's as memory serves .... in any case was that just an adhesive badge that over time comes off? Am I making sense? Do you know anything about those?

 

[GD70]

You know It occurred to me that I didn't read the guys entire add when I first seen his post. I take back what I said that they were pricey. Yes, considering the stands and the included cards he's about right with his price. I see enough of the 910's to keep myself from saying they are rare and more un-common, but finding a pair of these with the stands and cards, and in this apparent condition yeah .. that's pretty rare right there. The thing for me is (after some experience in used vintage speakers), would be any repairs that may have to be performed as in speakers or replacing caps. Then the costs could go over what you could expect to get back if you ever sold them. In this case, those tweeters and Midranges look exceptionally good and clean.

Say Glenn, Question for you. I've seen some 910's with a Volume/gain? badge over the lights. These don't have that. I recall seeing them on Matt's 910's as memory serves .... in any case was that just an adhesive badge that over time comes off? Am I making sense? Do you know anything about those?

Hi Garry,
Unless a driver is toast, they most likely won't need anything, including a recap.
I had my mids and tweeters rebuilt for longevity and peace of mind. They sounded a bit better, but not night and day improvement. Same with the crossovers. I bought a set completely recapped, all excited to swap them, and they sounded exactly the same as my originals. Back in they went, the recapped crossovers are for backup if I ever need a part. So I would venture to say, you'd be safe from added expenses.
There is a decal showing the output over the LEDs. I'm in the (very slow) process of recreating the original design. There's repro's on fleabay, but they are just so-so compared to the originals. Mine will be exact. That's the one thing remaining to do for mine.
Glenn

 

[Spiceman50]

Hi Garry,
Unless a driver is toast, they most likely won't need anything, including a recap.
I had my mids and tweeters rebuilt for longevity and peace of mind. They sounded a bit better, but not night and day improvement. Same with the crossovers. I bought a set completely recapped, all excited to swap them, and they sounded exactly the same as my originals. Back in they went, the recapped crossovers are for backup if I ever need a part. So I would venture to say, you'd be safe from added expenses.
There is a decal showing the output over the LEDs. I'm in the (very slow) process of recreating the original design. There's repro's on fleabay, but they are just so-so compared to the originals. Mine will be exact. That's the one thing remaining to do for mine.
Glenn

Oh sweet!! Its just now something that I admit I never noticed before. Was this just an adhesive decal ads used back in the day and over time they worn down or faided from cleaning and people just removed them.

Seems odd to me for ads or this caliber of speaker to not have a quality badge (for lack of a better description) instead of a decal?

 

[GD70]

Oh sweet!! Its just now something that I admit I never noticed before. Was this just an adhesive decal ads used back in the day and over time they worn down or faided from cleaning and people just removed them.

Seems odd to me for ads or this caliber of speaker to not have a quality badge (for lack of a better description) instead of a decal?

The LED output cards were optional, and it seems, not many made it into the speakers, hence, not many with the decals. I'm just guessing here, but I assume the decal came with the cards, and when the buyer installed them, they added the decal. Some may have found them years later, installed them and no decal was available.

 

[Spiceman50]

The LED output cards were optional, and it seems, not many made it into the speakers, hence, not many with the decals. I'm just guessing here, but I assume the decal came with the cards, and when the buyer installed them, they added the decal. Some may have found them years later, installed them and no decal was available.

Fascinating Glenn, I did not know this. Interesting it was an option. I admit my instant recall suffers from ... working so much, but my long term is really good. When first I seen the 910's at Vance Pflanz in Sioux City so many years ago, as many times as I went in there to hear those and the L1230's which I could never afford at the time, I just don't recall ever noticing the lights (or decal). Admitting that most of the time the Grill's were on the speakers. It's a detail I like to think I'd remember as I even recall the vinyl album that Vance often played and ... I still own today King James Version - Harry James and his big band.

Thanks for that info Glenn. Really appreciate it!

Garry~

 

[Spiceman50]

Playing this now while cleaning up my mess ... as ordered.

 

[GD70]

Fascinating Glenn, I did not know this. Interesting it was an option. I admit my instant recall suffers from ... working so much, but my long term is really good. When first I seen the 910's at Vance Pflanz in Sioux City so many years ago, as many times as I went in there to hear those and the L1230's which I could never afford at the time, I just don't recall ever noticing the lights (or decal). Admitting that most of the time the Grill's were on the speakers. It's a detail I like to think I'd remember as I even recall the vinyl album that Vance often played and ... I still own today King James Version - Harry James and his big band.

Thanks for that info Glenn. Really appreciate it!

Garry~

Sure! I wish I had seen and heard any ADS speakers when stereo shops were in their prime. I had a good one a block from where I lived in White Plains NY called Harvey Sound, visited every Saturday for an hour or more in the two sound rooms. I was more focused on receivers than speakers back then. I do remember JBL L100's, some Pioneers with lattice grills, maybe some ohm's, but not any ADSs. You got to hear the cream of the crop!

 

[Spiceman50]

Sure! I wish I had seen and heard any ADS speakers when stereo shops were in their prime. I had a good one a block from where I lived in White Plains NY called Harvey Sound, visited every Saturday for an hour or more in the two sound rooms. I was more focused on receivers than speakers back then. I do remember JBL L100's, some Pioneers with lattice grills, maybe some ohm's, but not any ADSs. You got to hear the cream of the crop!

Pflanz was about the only high end shop in town. Although Vance has since passed away, I think his son still works the business. Although, now I believe he's expanded the business to include TV's and Home Theater Systems. I recall Altecs, Sansui and Pioneer Speakers, then the ADS's. He had a bleacher type system in the show room with the larger speakers 1230's and the 1530's on the top row. I know for a fact he never had the L2030's because I would never have forgotten the size of those. He also had several of the other models of ads but those were spread out among the other speakers. Either the Altec's or the 910's were always on. And Vance sure was proud of the 910. I still recall the smile on his face when I told him no way can I afford them. Then he pointed me in the direction of the Altec Model Nine's. I still recall how thinking the ADS logos a/d/s were rather odd looking lower case. But back then as I've read they were like the top 5 in the world. I never heard music come out of a speaker like that in my life.

It wasn't until I seen the L1230's on Craigslist that I recalled them, and it wasn't until I seen yours that I remembered the 910's which were displayed on the floor as you walked into the music room at Vances place. Thinking now, it seems that was the natural place for those looking back.

 

[GD70]

Pflanz was about the only high end shop in town. Although Vance has since passed away, I think his son still works the business. Although, now I believe he's expanded the business to include TV's and Home Theater Systems. I recall Altecs, Sansui and Pioneer Speakers, then the ADS's. He had a bleacher type system in the show room with the larger speakers 1230's and the 1530's on the top row. I know for a fact he never had the L2030's because I would never have forgotten the size of those. He also had several of the other models of ads but those were spread out among the other speakers. Either the Altec's or the 910's were always on. And Vance sure was proud of the 910. I still recall the smile on his face when I told him no way can I afford them. Then he pointed me in the direction of the Altec Model Nine's. I still recall how thinking the ADS logos a/d/s were rather odd looking lower case. But back then as I've read they were like the top 5 in the world. I never heard music come out of a speaker like that in my life.

It wasn't until I seen the L1230's on Craigslist that I recalled them, and it wasn't until I seen yours that I remembered the 910's which were displayed on the floor as you walked into the music room at Vances place. Thinking now, it seems that was the natural place for those looking back.

That's great the store is still in business considering most are long gone.
The big ADS's, and Altecs, that's something I would have remembered. I'm not surprised those were the speakers of choice being played all the time. The 1230's are awesome looking and some day I hope to hear a pair in person.

 

[Yodathedog]

I got my original L400s from a dealer called Fat Julian's Audio in Roswell Ga. And yes, he was very fat. I think he might've been the only ADS dealer in Atlanta at the time. My final decision was between the L400s and a comparable Infinity model (don't remember which one). I'm glad I picked the ADS if only because I would've trashed the Infinitys after the woofers rotted.

A couple of years later I blew a woofer and took the speaker back to Julian for repair. Not too much later I blew another woofer and decided to put them away and replaced them with a pair of Polk Monitor 5s. After many years I pulled the L400s out of storage to use in a secondary system. I discovered then that Julian had replaced one of my blown woofers with non ADS product with a tiny magnet. I corrected that problem and continue to enjoy them. The Polks have been replaced with cloth L710s. I still have them too.

And low and behold, I recently found a really nice pair of original Infinity RS8s, so all is good.

 

[GD70]

If any 910 owners grills are a bit ratty, there’s a nice set on fleabay now.

 

[Spiceman50]

I got my original L400s from a dealer called Fat Julian's Audio in Roswell Ga. And yes, he was very fat. I think he might've been the only ADS dealer in Atlanta at the time. My final decision was between the L400s and a comparable Infinity model (don't remember which one). I'm glad I picked the ADS if only because I would've trashed the Infinitys after the woofers rotted.

A couple of years later I blew a woofer and took the speaker back to Julian for repair. Not too much later I blew another woofer and decided to put them away and replaced them with a pair of Polk Monitor 5s. After many years I pulled the L400s out of storage to use in a secondary system. I discovered then that Julian had replaced one of my blown woofers with non ADS product with a tiny magnet. I corrected that problem and continue to enjoy them. The Polks have been replaced with cloth L710s. I still have them too.

And low and behold, I recently found a really nice pair of original Infinity RS8s, so all is good.

I'll say this, you give those L400's a small 8" sub and you'll have a ton of sweet music coming at you. Those L400's like most ADS really like the juice. I forgot how nice they sounded till this weekend when I hooked them up again.

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...see-and-hear-it.782592/page-134#post-12984987

 

[drglasser]

Does anyone know if the led boards work with bi-amping? I don’t see how they could since circuits are separated for high and low end.

 

[GD70]

Does anyone know if the led boards work with bi-amping? I don’t see how they could since circuits are separated for high and low end.

The LED card is connected to the woofer circuit, separate from the bi & triamp circuit, so it should still work.

 

[OverLoad]

Does anyone know if the led boards work with bi-amping? I don’t see how they could since circuits are separated for high and low end.

The LED card is connected to the woofer circuit, separate from the bi & triamp circuit, so it should still work.

This is incorrect. This was asked previously by member Aptone and I provided a detailed answer and explanation earlier in this thread HERE